Agree the material
- Ask exactly what will be used: solid wood, plywood, MDF or board, and the thickness. Different materials cope differently with water, weight and time.
- For a kitchen or bathroom, ask what will protect the wood from damp, and what hinges and handles will be used.
- Ask to see a sample piece of the wood and of the finish (polish or laminate) before work starts.
Measure and draw
- Have the space measured at your home, not guessed. Ask for a simple drawing or a clear written list: size, number of shelves and drawers, and the door type.
- Check where sockets, pipes and beams are before cutting. Furniture that blocks a socket or a valve causes problems later.
Payment and time
- Agree the total price and what it covers, including material, labour, polish and fitting. Prices vary a lot with material and design, so compare more than one quote.
- Pay in steps tied to the work, for example some at the start for material, some when the frame is done and the rest when you are satisfied. Avoid paying everything in advance.
- Agree a finishing date, and write down any changes you ask for along the way, since they can change the price.